Ohio State head football coach Urban Meyer is getting ready to lead his team against Michigan State in East Lansing, Mich., on Saturday. The Buckeyes enter the game ranked 10th in the nation with an 8-1 record and a 5-1 clip in the Big Ten. The Spartans are ranked 18th with a 6-3 (4-2) record.
Meyer went on 97.1 The Fan on Thursday afternoon for his weekly radio show to preview the matchup and provide updates on the Buckeyes. BSB will provide live updates through the show right here.
Urban Meyer Updates
- Meyer said the week of practice has been “Good so far. Getting some players back healthy and obviously getting ready for a big game.”
- He called Keandre Jones’ blocked punt against Nebraska a “tremendous momentum changer.” Said the play was schemed up by Greg Schiano.
- Meyer said the Buckeyes reemphasized ball security with Mike Weber this week. Weber put two on the ground against the Cornhuskers.
- He called Nebraska’s final touchdown drive “alarming.” Noted that Ohio State had done a good job of keeping the play in front it for most of the game, and praised Brendon White once again. He also added that all three corners – Damon Arnette, Kendall Sheffield and Jeffrey Okudah – are good to go this week. Okudah missed the Nebraska game.
- Meyer said it’s been “great to watch him grow as a player” in regard to sophomore safety Brendon White. Noted again that players have to prove themselves on practice then on special teams before getting their chance. That’s what White did.
- Meyer said freshman cornerback Sevyn Banks is “one to keep an eye on.” He said Banks will probably start on kickoff against Michigan State.
- Michigan State is playing some one-high defense this year, Meyer said, which is a slight change from previous seasons.
- He called wide receiver Johnnie Dixon one of his “favorite all-time guys.”
- Meyer said he doesn’t see a lot of difference between Michigan State starting quarterback Brian Lewerke and backup Rocky Lombardi, who has seen some playing time in recent weeks, including a start.
- Meyer said he thinks Ohio State did pull back on the RPOs against Nebraska. “As a matter of fact, I know we did,” he added. That helped get the rush offense going.
- He said there are team discussions about the importance of voting every year. “That’s one of the great rights you have in this great country,” Meyer said. He noted that there was a lot of discussion during the 2016 election process to educate the players and the staff on everything involved.
- On the pass offense: “We weren’t as sharp. Obviously we had a protection error and Dwayne got hit. That should never happen like that.”
- Meyer on redshirt freshman quarterback Tate Martell’s involvement: “There might be some Tate showing up soon. … He’s been practicing very hard.”
